SEAFORD- Emma Jean Adkins, 73, of Seaford, and formerly of Laurel, died Saturday, May 5, 2012 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. Born November 30, 1938 in Laurel, she was a daughter of the late Leon David Wilkerson and Martha Elizabeth Wilkerson Oliphant. Emma Jean was very talented working with her hands and worked as a seamstress for many years. She worked for various garment companies through the years that included Laurel Manufacturing and Fed Sportswear in Federalsburg, from where she retired. She was a faithful member of the Laurel Wesleyan Church and also attended Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Willards occasionally. Her life revolved around her family. She took great pleasure in spending time with her children and grandchildren and was proud of each one. She enjoyed going to auctions, shopping, playing cards and playing on her computer. Those that knew her will remember her knack for keeping everything in its place and keeping an immaculate and well-organized home. Country music was her favorite and she had a special fondness for George Strait. She is survived by 6 children, Robert Franklin Adkins and his wife, Jo of Laurel, Keith L. Adkins and his companion, James Marvel of Laurel, Mark S. Adkins and his wife, Gayle of Seaford, Belinda Sparks and her husband, Richard of Fruitland, Ralph E. Adkins and his wife, Jana Ledd of Laurel and Teresa L. Adkins and her companion, Angie Damen of Laurel; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; a sister, Martha May King and her husband, Ed of Seaford; and a half-sister, Crystal Messick and her husband, Alvin of Gumboro. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Robert "Bobby" Lee Adkins, who passed in 2002; and her faithful companion for the past 5 years, Goolie Dennis. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, where a funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Ken Deusa will officiate. Interment will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Laurel Wesleyan Church, P.O. Box 68, Laurel, DE 19956. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.